Thursday 4th June

Thursday, 4 June 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. The Merlin Mk4 came down during a training exercise near Okehampton in the early hours of yesterday morning. Military investigators are working to establish the cause of the crash, while tributes continue to be paid to those who lost their lives.

The West of England, including parts of Somerset, are unlikely to see driverless taxis on the roads any time soon, despite the government launching a pilot scheme that could pave the way for automated vehicles across the country. The West of England Combined Authority will have the final say on whether they are introduced locally with Metro Mayor, Helen Godwin, indicating she's not in favour, saying her priority is improving public transport rather than focusing on driverless cars.

Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. Freedom Leisure, which already runs Goldenstones in Yeovil, is taking over from Fusion Leisure after the company entered administration. The move means leisure centres in Frome, Wells, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet will remain open, safeguarding jobs and services.

Somerset council has outlined the next steps in improving support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. A new SEND Reform Plan aims to help schools, colleges and early years providers offer support earlier and create a more inclusive system. If approved by the Department for Education, up to ninety per cent of Somerset's historic SEND funding deficit could be written off.

The new live-action Masters of the Universe film is released this week. Much of the production was filmed at Wells Cathedral, with Somerset-born actor James Purefoy staring in the role of King Randor, the father of He-Man.

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Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more